The Autumn Show took place last, Sunday 28th August – I know, an autumn show in August?!
There were 77 classes, some only open to children. It looked like there were a greater number of entrants, we won’t know until the results are published, we certainly need new participants the summer show had 60 classes and this year resulted in 9 individuals winning 41% of the 1st, 2nd & 3rd prizes, which is obviously great if you win 7 first prizes and a handful of 2nd and thirds but it doesn’t make for a very inviting competition because whether it’s true or not it looks like those who win year after year are producing the best entries, when they may be quite average – but new entrants are put of, I know I have been, it just didn’t seem worth the bother of entering (I’m not a very competitive by nature) – BUT, given the stats on the summer show I, and at least one other person I spoke to, made an effort. I didn’t have much to enter but mustered 4 classes and came away with a 1st, two 2nds and and a third, which is great but I suspect it doesn’t really reflect my horticultural skill, I jus went to the plot and picked things I’d grown.
So I hope the published results show more people had entered and people who hadn’t entered before, if they don’t perhaps members could suggest ways in which more people could be encouraged to enter – or a change to the show and classes?
Vegetable Shows: The Devizes Syndrome
I entered a few classes this year but found others impossible because of this recently described, though long known, syndrome.
For me it started with Class 46, a perfect Long Red Marconi sweet pepper. The problem was the test of my small harvest looked green, unevenly ripened and one more promising with a slug bite! So no entry in Class 46.
I hoped for better with Class 55: here a good haul of sweet corn. We’d been eating beautiful cobs for several weeks but now picking two was impossible. One good even, the others missing kernels at top of bottom.
And so on, not even two even courgettes for Class 53.
Then it dawned on me: this was Devizes Syndrome impacting on my plot! For
“There was a young man from Devizes
Whose marrows were different sizes
One shrivelled and small
And no use at all
The other so big it won prizes”
Congratulations to everyone who entered for a class. I really thought it was this weekend else would have pt my achimenes in. It’s won prizes before. Congratulations to all who did submit and to the prizewinners. All the best, Pamela